Across the majority of Adam Darlington's 30 years, he has spent most winter weekends on a footy field.

And yet, right as he was preparing to hang up the boots and focus on his sons' burgeoning league journeys, came the text from Dungowan Cowboys reserve grade coach Nic Syron that would lead to the greatest moment he ever experienced in rugby league.

"I've got two young kids who are both into footy and a lot of sports," Darlington said.

"Afternoons with my own training and their stuff, it was a bit of a juggle to find the time ... [Syron] was into from the end of the year last year, and he messaged me and asked what my thoughts were on going out there and if I was going to play again."

By the end of 2024, Darlington had wrapped up a stint of several years with the Kootingal-Moonbi Roo

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